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“Each superager was given several MRI scans. Rogalski then analyzed the brain pictures, exploring the outer layer of the brain called the cortex, which is critical for thinking and memory. The cortex is comprised of dense layers of nerve cells, and its thickness indicates the health of the brain.

In Alzheimer’s, for example, the cortex gets thinner and shrinks. But in the superagers, Rogalski says, “What we found was quite remarkable. We found that the [cortices of] individuals who are superagers look more like those of 50- to 60-year-olds.” There was no significant thinning or shrinkage of the cortex in the superagers, compared to people 20 or 30 years younger.”